Emergency carpet cleaning costs an extra $75 to $200 per hour on average for after-hours appointments, depending on the company and the specific time of day. Typically, the later you need the service, the higher the hourly rate will be. Non-emergency carpet cleaning costs $40 to $90+ per room or $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot.

If your emergency needs are because of flooding or major water damage, carpet cleaning service may only be a small part of your total cost. Water damage restoration costs anywhere from $150 to $500 for Class 1 damage that involves small water leaks in one area of a room to as much as $15,000 to $100,000 for Class 4 water damage caused by flooding or a hurricane.

Most carpet cleaning services do not expect a tip. However, if the cleaners go above and beyond or they end up spending more time than estimated to resolve your carpet emergency, consider tipping 10% to 20% or more of your total bill.

While standard, non-emergency carpet cleaning takes about 20 minutes per room for an average size room, emergency carpet cleaning may take longer, depending on the specific circumstances. Carpet cleaning time can vary significantly depending on several factors, like the amount of furniture that needs moving, how heavily-soiled the carpet is, and if the cleaners need to pre-treat any areas for stains.

Many carpet cleaning companies will move small or basic furniture pieces for free and charge extra for larger or heavier furniture. However, some companies charge a fee for moving any furniture, regardless of the size or weight, and others may decline to move anything at all. If you know you'll need help to move furniture before the carpet cleaning, be sure to ask about it up front and get a detailed estimate in writing.

Carpet takes anywhere from 6 to 24 hours to dry completely after cleaning. Dry time depends on several factors—the carpet material, the cleaning method used and how much moisture it involved, the indoor temperature, humidity, and air circulation.

• Carpets cleaned using hot water extraction (HWE)—often called steam cleaning—take 6 to 8 hours to dry on average. Most professional carpet cleaners use this cleaning method.
• You can help speed up the dry time by using fans, opening windows, or turning on the air conditioner.

To find the best emergency carpet cleaners:

• Verify the company is licensed, bonded, insured, and has been in business for 5+ years.
• Check out the company's reviews from previous customers on HomeGuide and Google.
• Inquire about their warranties and guarantees.
• Have a written contract in hand before the cleaning begins.
• Avoid making a large payment up front. Most companies won't ask you to pay in full until after the work is done.

Ask the following questions to help you choose a qualified professional to resolve your carpet cleaning emergency:

• Is the carpet cleaning company licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What training and experience do you have with cleaning carpets like mine?
• What are your rates, and how much extra do you charge for after-hours appointments?
• How quickly can you begin cleaning the carpet?
• Do you move furniture before cleaning, and is it included in the estimate?
• Are your cleaning solutions safe for children and pets?
• Are your processes, detergents, and the cleaning equipment you use approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute?
• How long will the cleaning job take?
• Do you guarantee your work?
• What do you need from me to get started?